Show: 12
Title: Vintage Tunes, Modern Gal
Category: Comedy / Original Music / Physical Theater / Solo Show / Audience participation
By: Plucky Rosenthal
Created by: Plucky Rosenthal
Location: Rarig Kilburn Arena
Summary: A solo "musical comedy variety act" about a plucky ukulele player looking for a band.
Highlights: Chicago-based touring artist Plucky Rosenthal (a last-minute add to the festival) is obviously a pro at this; she had the relatively small Sunday 4pm audience in the palm of her hand, and singing at the top of our lungs by the end. Plucky is just that, both in the "spirited and brave" definition, and in the fact that she plucks and strums the ukulele, which she tells us is the best instrument (not the first time I've heard that in this festival). And if you think that's a corny joke, wait until you see the show! She enlists us in her silly rhymes, and frequently breaks the fourth wall to comment on or react to the show and the audience, in the most charming and disarming way. The loose plot, between clever and quirky original songs, is that Plucky is a bit of a loner, who wants to find people to be in a band with her. She calls her favorite radio DJ on her vintage phone, whom she listens to on the vintage radio sitting on the vintage side table, only to be told to "not quit her day job." So she finds a book with "six easy steps to start a band," which she does, to unexpected effect. The lesson she learns in the end, culminating in the finale singalong, inspired me to buy my first button of the festival. Because it's true, nobody really knows what they're doing in life, but it's better with music and laughter and friends. This is a clever show by an artist who doesn't take herself too seriously, but is seriously talented, with some gentle audience participation and fun prop work.